Belle Ainsworth Jenkins Estate, park and former country estate in Oregon, USA
The Belle Ainsworth Jenkins Estate is a roughly 14-acre property near Beaverton, Oregon, featuring several historic structures from the early 20th century. Besides the L-shaped main house with seven bedrooms, the grounds include a stable, carriage house, farmhouse, and greenhouse, all well-maintained and visible to visitors walking the property.
Ralph Jenkins and his wife Belle purchased the land in 1912 and built the mansion between 1912 and 1915 in the style of an English hunting lodge. After the family's passing, the property changed hands to developers, but when a retirement community project failed, the local park district acquired it in the 1970s and converted it to public use.
The estate takes its name from Belle Ainsworth Jenkins, a figure connected to the region's development and local shipping history. The gardens here, especially the rhododendron garden, remain a gathering place where community members work together to maintain the landscape and share knowledge about the property.
You can explore the grounds at your own pace, with volunteers usually present to answer questions about the history and buildings. Parking is available in the lower lot near the gardens, which is convenient if you plan to visit the rhododendron gardens and walking trails.
A distinctive feature is the accessible herb and fragrance garden with Braille labels, created in partnership with the Oregon School of the Blind. This garden allows blind visitors to experience the plants through scent and touch, reflecting an early commitment to inclusive design.
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